Ruben Amorim’s new era began with an important win against Torino on Sunday night, and his identity was already on display.
As Corriere della Sera (via MilanNews) recall this morning, Ignazio Abate’s Torino gave Milan a hard time towards the end. For 75 minutes, however, the Rossoneri showed very positive things, scoring two goals in the second half with a deadly one-two blow in the space of a couple of minutes.
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Off on the right foot
Amorim’s new philosophy is already evident: a high defensive line, intensity, attacking play, and strong pressing. Obviously, this is only the first match, and there are many things to work on and improve, but it’s undeniable that starting with a win after the summer revolution was crucial.
Gerry Cardinale was in Turin yesterday to support the team in their first competitive match of the season, and he can be satisfied with what he saw on the pitch. Amorim’s decisions paid off, particularly the one that led to the 19-year-old Alphadjo Cissé starting, who opened the scoring.
The former Sporting CP coach’s substitutions were also crucial, as he brought on Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot in the second half, giving his team the boost they needed.
With their first three points secured, Milan can now prepare with greater serenity and confidence for their first home match in front of their fans, scheduled for Friday at San Siro against Venezia. However, today also marks the start of the final week of the transfer window.
It looks like a busy few days for the Rossoneri in terms of both outgoings and incomings. Christopher Nkunku’s loan move to RB Leipzig (with an option to buy) will be finalised in the next few hours, but the most complex issue at the Rossoneri is the future of Rafael Leao.
The Portuguese is up for sale, but it remains to be seen whether the right offer arrives that satisfies both Milan and the player.
Bring in high pressure left footer, exit Leo, Estupinia, Loftus cheek, Ramos need good compability high skills player like him to deliver, he suppose to see net yesterday match but the attacking force is not dangerous enough, chukwaeze is doing fine, but is cutting in and shoot is not satisfied yet, and ability to use his right foot could have land the team first half goal… That team still need a right wing back and a starter for midfield , that is very high creative to supply and hold ball, Let the team work on this .
We struggled down the right side when Gila came off – Chuck was spent and could have done with being subbed off to give him a rest. Salad for Cisse was a poor call imo. He would have been better waiting and then doing a straight swap with Chuck. Cisse should have had another 10 mins after his goal.
We did find out that RLC is a bencher though, which many of us knew already.
Work in progress…
We struggled down the right side when Njie entered the picture, not when Gila left. Gila was his first victim, hopefully he didn’t break his spine… impressive talent, homegrown as well. Abate will make good use of him.
To be honest, we played better than I expected, but mostly because Torino were subpar. Against a better team it could have easily been 2:0 after the blunt errors in the first 10 minutes or so.
So far I saw more attacking football in the second half of the first game, than in the second half of last season, even though half the starters were bench players. We were not productive in the front, but with Rabiot, Pulisic, Moreira (let’s see where Amorim plans to use him), I think we will be ok. I am really worried about the defensive play though. We need to quickly improve on our game in our own half.
Milan fans are really optimistic about Amorim. Especially after this first win. It’s sad to say, Amorim won’t work out, for many reasons including his own playing and management style. I’m happy for the win, but this is just a honeymoon phase.